It began in 1871 as P. T. Barnum’s Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome, back when Prussia was still a kingdom and Jesse James was robbing banks. It survived the Depression, two world wars and the new media of its time, including radio, film and television.
But on May 21, the world’s most historic circus, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, shut down after failing to sufficiently dazzle the children of the smartphone age and to overcome the fierce opposition of the animal rights movement, which does not want to see animals in the circus.
With all that is happening in the world, I haven’t had time to think about this at length. I can remember looking forward to the circus as a kid in Manhattan at Madison Square Garden. There was a time that the circus would allow ticket holders who arrived an hour before show time to visit their ‘Freak Show’ which gave all who wanted to go a chance to see the performers up close. Now this meant being able to pull the bearded ladies beard; see the giant who would let you sit on his lap and, if you were lucky and your parents were so inclined, a chance to buy his replica finger ring that could fit around your forearm. In retrospect, this was part of the circus that should have shut down, although I don’t recall anyone being mean to the performers. It was exciting to be that close to the circus. Then there were the acts and the excitement of seeing the high wire acts. There was something magical when the Garden’s lights went down and the music went up and you were there with your parents. It never seemed that your folks were bored. Years later, I remember taking my own daughter and watching her being awed as I was. I’ll miss the circus. I can’t believe that there will be a generation of children who will never get the chance to experience a show where their parents could be kids themselves.
The Valley Viewpoint 